I’m thinking about upgrading from my 20w diode. I’m looking at the Polar because of the form factor and my available space. I’m also considering an Omtech 60w. A couple of prominent contributors on this site have recommended the 60w over the Polar, but space…
I would like to hear from Polar users about their experiences and their recommendations. Now, I know that the Polar is supposed to be 50w but in reality, is closer to 40w or so. I know the 60w is not 60w either. I would probably only use either machine just a few hours per week. So what do y’all think?
As you rightly note, if we subtract roughly 10 Watts, it fits. This applies to both machines. I recommend going for the biggest possible machine, not in terms of power but bed size. Power is also important and nice to have, but with 50-70 Watts you can go a long way. I chose the 600x400 machine because it is the maximum machine size that fits through my workshop door. I have (had) a 400x300 and a K40 with 320x230mm, I was happy with both machines, except for the machine bed size. With my OMT machine, I have the option to increase the power to 80 Watt if I need it, there is room for an extension for a longer tube.
I just see that you can get a MF1624 60 Watt for less than a Polar… make room
I agree with Bernd’s recommendation. The primary advantage of the Polar is its compactness. You get a lot in a little package. However, it doesn’t fundamentally get you anything that’s not otherwise delivered in equal or better function in other machines if you can afford the space. And done at lower cost.
So if space and tidiness is at a premium for you then Polar is relatively good value. But in most other aspects a more traditional layout is more practical and flexible. You’ll need to weigh your needs and priorities.
This depends on your needs and your environmental conditions. If you live in a dry environment with relatively cool temperatures and only do a job here and there then a CW3000 may be fine. If you want something more flexible where you don’t need to think about it as much, work in a humid environment, or plan to run the machine continuously for longer durations then I’d suggest for sure getting an active cooler like the CW5200.
I’ve been there too. The machines come (both) with an aquarium pump, an extraction fan and air pump installed, so you can use the machines directly without extra costs. However, with production on a daily basis, all 3 accessories should be upgraded.
A CW3000 is not a cooling machine in my eyes, it is just a slightly larger aquarium pump . The lowest it can cool the water circuit down to is the ambient temperature and it does/tries to do so. It runs constantly.
If you have relatively low workshop temperatures and are prepared to listen to the noise all the time, you can wait to invest in a CW500.
But it’s still a better deal to buy the bigger machine, even if I only had to work with material/items under 300mm in size, I still wouldn’t buy the “desktop laser” for that much money.
In addition to that, the Polar machine is a nice and compact machine and certainly meets the needs of many hooby people who work on smaller projects.
Thanks so much for the advice. I live in Southern California and will be using the unit in a controlled environment. I have a line on a slightly used Polar. The guy is asking $2,000. I probably can get it for less. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for a 60w machine as well.
I wonder if people who have a Polar would buy it again.
Most people don’t live in a home that kept at the mid 60’s… Do you?
So you’d need a refrigerated chiller.
Lots of people use the Polar and like it…
There isn’t much of a comparison between the machines… A Polar is much like a printer, the idea was to market against the Glowforge … turn it on and use it…
The target of these machine are for a different audiences.
